The aim of the present study was to observe the effect of Surya Namaskar and Meditation on the aggression level of male adolescents. For this study 45 subjects (college boys) were randomly selected form M. B. P. G. Govt College, Haldwani, Nainital, (Uttarakhand) by using simple random sampling without replacement. Aggression scale designed and standardized by Roma pal and Dr. Tasnem Naqvi was administered to collect the data before intervention and after giving intervention of one month. Results indicated that the Surya Namaskar and meditation significantly decrease the aggression level of the participants.

Background

This research work has attempted to observe the effect of Surya namaskar followed by meditation on the aggression level of the participants and to highlight the holistic approach of yoga practices to reduce the aggression.Aggression is any action or series of actions in which the direct purpose is to cause to harm or damage. Aggression is nearly always classed as antisocial behavior caused by poor environmental conditions. Here are instances when aggression has positive consequences, for example when it may be used to bring about positive social change in life. The major explanations of aggressive behavior are biological. For example, aggression may be a product of overcrowding and a need to establish a territory. Recent research has established the possible role of the neurotransmitter serotonin in aggressive behaviors of chimpanzees with a suggestion that same role may be observed in humans. Psychological Theories such as the frustration- aggression theory see as an as inevitable consequence of blocked or frustrated goal. A typical example would be the driver who gets stuck in traffic and takes it out on other road users, so called road rage. Social theories, such as the social learning recognize the importance of imitation in the acquisition of aggressive behavior. Children pick up their aggression through watching the aggression of other who we rewarded or not punished in some way.All of these different types of aggression have consequences for the reduction of aggressive behavior. Biological and psychological theories, with their emphasis on biological inevitability or psychological abnormality, may marginalize aggressive behavior. Social psychological theories, on the other hand, are far optimistic about the control and reduction of aggressive behavior. Levwr (1976) thought that steps should be taken to reduce the degree of frustration during childhood to develop frustration tolerance in the children and finally to channelize frustration thought socially acceptable behavior. Rosenweig and Braun (1969) coded that male subjects were socially taught to be more aggressive than females subjects regarding competitiveness with the other people. Frequency of aggression was negatively correlated with the degree to which the child can solve the problem. Uma et al. (1989) have found that a significant improvement in IQ and social adaptation parameters occurred in the Yoga Group as compared to the control group. Brikel & Edgren, (2000) have found a significant increase in the vital capacity of college students after intervention of Hatha Yoga Practices. Grossman (2005) demonstrated a significant improvement in perceived stress and trait anxiety, well being, vigor fatigue, depression, physical well being, headache and back pain of the participants after the yoga training.On the basis of existing body of the knowledge between independent variables and dependent variables the following directional hypothesis has been constructed:

Research methods:Sample and SamplingSimple random sampling without Replacement was used to select 45 boys age range 14-20 from M. B. PG Govt. College, Haldwani, (Uttrakhand).

Research DesignSingle group Pre - post test design was used.

TestAggression Scale was prepared by Roma Pal and Tasneem Naqvi with 30 items and was valid for age range 14-24. In the used scale, reactionary attitudes namely irritation, drive for dominance, love for fighting, anger behavior, aggressive tendency, rude traditional social customs and rules, preference for fighters and for counter behavior, competitiveness etc. were involve in test item construction and for measuring aggression level.

ProcedureSurya namaskar followed by meditation was given as intervention to the subjects for one month and scale was administered among them avoiding time bar for its completion, but in direct observation.

Results:Percentage Table​

2 x3 Contingency Table

X2= 4.2 df = 2 Significant at 0.05 level.

Computed value of X2 is 4.2 for df =2 at 0.05 level of significance whereas tailgated value of X2 is 4.065. Hence the directional hypothesis, “Surya namaskar and meditation significantly decrease the aggression level of practitioners” is accepted at 0.05 level of significance.

Discussion and InterpretationCalculated value of X is 4.2 for df =2 at 0.05 level of significance is greater than tabulated value of X 4.065. Hence the directional hypothesis, “Surya namaskar and meditation significantly decrease the aggression level of practitioners” is accepted at 0.05 level of significance. Pre-percentage of respondents with aggression level below average was 40 % while it was 53 % in the post test thereby showing 13% reduction. Similarly, Pre percentage of respondents with average aggression level was 29% which was found 33 % in the post test there by showing reduction of 4%. In above average percentage of respondents was met 13% in post test thereby showing reduction of 18 % in the number of respondents.Thus, researchers came to know that reduced aggression of respondents met at the post test is not due to sampling fluctuation or chance factor but is due to the practice of Surya namaskar followed by meditation.Hasta Utthanasana gives good message to the abdominal contents and improves digestion and elimination. It causes pranic movement in the upper body part and activates thyroid gland and Vishuddhi chakra. Pranamasana induces a state of relaxation and calmness. Padhastasana gives good message to the abdominal region, causing better blood and panic flow. It puts pressure on all the major glands and stretching on the hamstring and calf muscles. The CNS used its lower centers of integration for the maintenance of posture and equilibrium. These centers are situated in the medulla and pons (reticular activating system), brain stem nuclei, cerebellum and basal ganglia. The involuntary control depends on the information coming from the proprioceptors, situated in muscles. Joints, tendons and soles. Postural reflexes and the muscles tons are very well regulated by the lower centers quits independently and efficiently even when the higher center in the cortex are not involved.SN done correctly accentuates the exchange of air to and from the lungs opens and expanded the intricate alveoli or air sacs of the lung tissue and exercise the muscles of the thoracic region the lungs are emptied of impurities and stale air and hence body and brain get revitalized by the extra supply of oxygen they receive.Frequent exhalation and inhalation accompanying with visceral contraction causes tension in the surface area of elastic tissue lining the inner of the lungs .Once they extended their surface remains almost remained for ever as they are elastic in nature. Retention followed by deep inhalation provides more time in increased surface area of lung for oxygen absorption. Hence oxygen supply in blood gets improved.Breathing awareness occur during SN practice tackles the ANS. Other autonomic region and causes endocrine secretion get regulated.Ashwasanchalanasana gives relaxation to the back muscles, massage to the abdominal region and causes upward pranic flow. Parvatasana strengthens the nerve and the arms and legs tighten the spine and activate Vishuddi chakra causing downward flow of prana.Astanga namaskara accentuates the normal spine curve and facilitates blood flow which results in rejuvenating effect of the nerves and cause downward pranic movement to the Navel Chakra.Bhujangasana facilitates digestion, elimination, pranic flow in the whole spine and activation in Swadhisthan Chakra. In general, SN tones up the nerves and simultaneously awakens the associates brain centers.Thus it can be said that the SN preformed with breathing pattern and devotion includes peace of mind, reduce emotional conflict and stress, purify heart and mind. It balances bio-plasmic energy and removes blockage in the nadis through it flows.

Meditation provides -

Deep peace of mind and reduces stress

Enhances inner empowerment and spiritual development.

Enhances emotional and mental aptitudes and attitudes.

Improve relationships and heals the past

Activates the expression of virtues and integrates the faculties of will power, love and creative intelligence.